A.J. Clemente, rookie TV anchor, says he's fired for profanity on air

BISMARCK, N.D. (CBSNews.com) - A weekend news anchorman for a Bismarck television station says he was fired after he opened his first-ever broadcast with obscenities.

A.J. Clemente says on Twitter that KFYR-TV fired him Monday.

"Unfortunately KFYRTV has decided to let me go. Thank you to them and everyone in ND for the opportunity and everyone for the support," he tweeted.

The NBC affiliate said in an earlier statement that Clemente was suspended following the Sunday evening broadcast. General manager Dick Heidt says he can't discuss the incident because it's a personnel matter.

The station posted an apology online and co-anchorwoman Van Tieu also apologized during the 10 p.m. newscast.

After the on-air gaffe, Clemente introduced himself as a West Virginia graduate who said he was "very excited" about joining the anchor desk.

Video of Clemente's two-word uttering was immediately posted online via social media sites, and the hashtag "Keep AJ" started trending on Twitter in support of him.

Clemente tweeted after the broadcast: "That couldn't have gone any worse!"

He later added, "Rookie mistake. I'm a free agent.Cant help but laugh at myself and stay positive.Wish i didnt trip over my "Freaking Shoes" out of the gate."